Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Tips for Healthful Relaxation

November 19, 2007
Readers:
Relaxation is not only a pleasurable pursuit, it's important to your health. To get the most benefits from your downtime, it's important to stay positive and engage in constructive activities.

Maintain positive emotions. Make an ongoing choice to focus on positive rather than negative emotions. This can keep you on a more even keel emotionally, so that when you do have time to relax, recovery is swifter and leads to new, higher levels of well-being.

Practice self-control. When most people feel bad after a stressful day, they want to feel better sooner rather than later. This can lead to indulgences that bring temporary pleasure but undercut long-tem goals. For example, you may overeat when you're trying to lose weight. Instead, keep your long-term interests in mind. While you're relaxed, create a list of enjoyable, constructive relaxation activities that you can choose from when you do get stressed out.

Avoid ruminating. Dwelling on issues that occurred earlier in the day only increases stress. Moreover, it can lead to taking out your frustrations on others. Instead, redirect your thoughts and allow your irritation to fade away.

— Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource